UNSLAKED LIME Meaning and
Definition
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Unslaked lime, also known as quicklime or calcium oxide (CaO), refers to a chemical compound that is obtained by heating limestone or other calcium carbonate-containing minerals or materials in a kiln or furnace. It is an essential ingredient widely used in various fields such as construction, agriculture, and industry.
Unslaked lime possesses a white, powdery or crystalline appearance with high alkalinity and strong caustic properties. It exhibits exothermic reactions when combined with water, resulting in the production of heat. This process, known as slaking, transforms unslaked lime into calcium hydroxide, commonly referred to as slaked lime or hydrated lime.
In construction, unslaked lime serves as a key component for making cement and mortar due to its binding properties. Its high pH levels allow it to neutralize acidic soils, resulting in improved productivity in agriculture. The compound is also employed in industrial processes like steel production, waste treatment, and water purification due to its ability to absorb impurities and neutralize acids.
Furthermore, unslaked lime has been historically used for various applications such as building materials, whitewashing, and as a component in traditional medicines. However, it should be handled with caution as it can cause burns upon direct contact with the skin or eyes, and inhalation of its fine particles may irritate the respiratory system.
Common Misspellings for UNSLAKED LIME
- ynslaked lime
- hnslaked lime
- jnslaked lime
- inslaked lime
- 8nslaked lime
- 7nslaked lime
- ubslaked lime
- umslaked lime
- ujslaked lime
- uhslaked lime
- unalaked lime
- unzlaked lime
- unxlaked lime
- undlaked lime
- unelaked lime
- unwlaked lime
- unskaked lime
- unspaked lime
- unsoaked lime
Etymology of UNSLAKED LIME
The term "unslaked lime" is derived from the combination of the word "unslaked" and the word "lime".
The word "lime" originates from the Old English word "līm", which referred to a sticky substance or a birdlime used for catching birds. This Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*līmaz".
On the other hand, "unslaked" is derived from the verb "slack", meaning to quench or extinguish. The prefix "un-" is added to negate the action, thus forming "unslaked", which signifies something that has not been quenched or made less intense.
When these two terms are combined, "unslaked lime" refers to calcium oxide (CaO), a highly caustic substance produced by heating limestone or seashells.
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